He’s perfect. Not just in a moral sense (though he is and his purity is a theological necessity) but he’s the perfect mix of awe-inspiring strength and tear-jerking mercy. He always demands justice while maintaining a posture of unmerited kindness. He puts the arrogant in their place and yet gently coxes the outcasts out of hiding. He is unflappable in the face of overwhelming opposition; he naps in the face of hurricanes.

He’s the most interesting man in the world.

He is unlike anything we have ever seen and yet is accessible, relatable. He’s intensely serious yet relaxed, unhurried. He has every right to be judgmental, dismissive and distant and yet moves into our neighborhood, lives in obscurity, voluntarily submits himself to fabricated accusations, corrupt proceedings and excruciating torture – as a ransom for those who don’t deserve it.

He had no personal agenda, never once did he make a calculated effort to advance his career. He assumed the role of a servant, even though he was the anointed king.

Jesus is the literal, historical incarnation of the best parts of every fictional hero ever written.

He’s Robin Hood. He’s Luke Skywalker. He’s Superman.

Except he’s real.

What kind of hero dies for the villains?

But even more than that, he’s MLK without the sexual impropriety, He’s Lincoln without the political calculus. He’s the better version of Jonah, Moses, David…

He’s Adam 2.0.

He is the prototype that every politician, CEO, parent, coach, doctor should aspire to.

I love him. I want to be just like him. I want to be on his team and walk next to him every day.

I can’t believe the good news that I am functionally, spiritually, legally connected to him. My Union with Christ is a mystery and a blessing to profound too comprehend.